Who do you think of when you read or hear the word, psychopath? Rarely does anyone think of the neuroscientist next door. We speak to two experts about what the term means in the medical world and why many people who have psychopathic tendencies can function in a non-violent, productive manner.
Guest Information:
- Scott Lilienfeld, professor, psychology, Emory University.
- James Fallon, neuroscientist, University of California-Irvine, author of The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist’s Personal Journey Into the Dark Side of the Brain.
Psychopathy isn’t the same as being violent. Research discussed by Scott Lilienfeld and James Fallon shows it exists on a spectrum, and many people with these traits live normal, successful lives. Traits like fearlessness and emotional control can even help in certain careers.
I always thought that there was a specific frame of characteristics that defined a psychopath. I am so surprised to learn that is not the case. This makes the concept of psychopathic behavior even more scary.